{"id":19129,"date":"2022-09-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/?post_type=inspiracion&p=19129"},"modified":"2022-10-26T13:13:08","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T11:13:08","slug":"the-must-sees-lille","status":"publish","type":"inspiracion","link":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/lille\/the-must-sees-lille\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Lille: the 6 must-sees"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u201cLe Welsh\u201d, chips, beer, the \u201cCh\u2019ti\u201d accent, rain… These are the things you generally associate with Northern France. But have you ever visited Lille<\/a>, the Capital of Flanders? It might not be a destination you\u2019d find at the top of many bucket lists, but it\u2019s definitely worth a visit! <\/h5>\n

This beautiful, vibrant and friendly city is full of places to discover. With its ideal geographical location and easy access by train or plane, getting to Lille for a weekend visit is quite simple.<\/p>\n

Delve into this article to find out the 6 must-sees for any first-time visitor to Lille.<\/p>\n

1. TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE MAIN SQUARE<\/h2>\n

If there\u2019s one place not to be missed in Lille, it\u2019s this! The \u201cPlace du G\u00e9n\u00e9ral de Gaulle\u201d, which everyone calls \u201cGrand\u2019Place\u201d, is one of the most important sites in the city. As lively by night as it is by day, this is the place where Lille\u2019s locals meet.<\/p>\n

Located in the city centre, just 5 minutes\u2019 walk from the Lille-Flandres train station, \u201cGrand\u2019Place\u201d is the ideal starting point for any visit to Lille!<\/p>\n

\"grand<\/figure>\n

This emblematic square is situated in the historic heart of Lille and is surrounded by buildings showcasing typical Northern French architecture. In its centre is the fountain, with its famous statue the \u201cColonne de la d\u00e9esse\u201d or Column of the Goddess. With its array of terraces, shop signs and mythical monuments, you can really feel the warm ambience that is so characteristic of Lille.<\/p>\n

You should also consider visiting at night, as the lighting of the buildings makes them appear even more resplendent.<\/p>\n

My top tip: go at Christmas time to wonder at the big wheel and all the illuminations. The main square becomes a magical place at that time of year! The Place Rihour Christmas market, just a few meters away, is not to be missed either.<\/p>\n

2. ADMIRE THE THEATRE SQUARE<\/h2>\n

A few steps from \u201cGrand\u2019Place\u201d is another, smaller but equally charming square: \u201cPlace du Th\u00e9\u00e2tre\u201d. It includes two important buildings: the \u201cOp\u00e9ra de Lille\u201d and the belfry of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<\/p>\n

The Chamber of Commerce isn\u2019t open to visitors, but you can take in any number of concerts and performances at the opera house.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

My favourite moment: when the sweet melody from the belfry begins to echo throughout the city centre!<\/p>\n

Between \u201cGrand\u2019Place\u201d and \u201cPlace du Th\u00e9\u00e2tre\u201d is one of my favourite places in Lille: the old stock exchange<\/strong>. This is a group of 24 small, identical houses set around a courtyard, and it\u2019s a historical building that dates back to 1653.<\/p>\n

\"vielle<\/figure>\n

The outer fa\u00e7ade is beautiful and the interior courtyard is equally charming. You\u2019ll find book stalls, chess players and even tango dancers in the summer. It\u2019s the ideal place to hunt for books and posters! I love the authentic, peaceful atmosphere that you always find there. It\u2019s like a timeless respite right next to the bustling city centre.<\/p>\n

3. STROLL THROUGH THE OLD TOWN<\/h2>\n

My favourite thing to do in the city is taking a walk through the narrow streets of Old Lille. This is my favourite place of all, with its red brick fa\u00e7ades, cobblestones, shops, and much more besides.<\/p>\n

\"vieux<\/figure>\n

This district is so authentic and full of charm, the perfect place to lose yourself, stroll around, stop in an estaminet or do some shopping.<\/p>\n

I highly recommend heading along:<\/p>\n